TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada revealed the striking Kia GT
concept today at the Canadian International Auto Show. With its
Canadian debut, the powerful, dynamic and forward-looking Kia GT
concept - originally shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show - signals the
distinctive next chapter of the company's design direction with
graceful, confident styling, and is the first rear-wheel-drive concept
in Kia's history.

Radiating a sleek, yet muscular, stance, the Kia GT four-door sports
sedan concept was created by Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter
Schreyer, and his European design team. The concept allowed Kia to
explore new visual avenues, including a unique interpretation of the
Kia-family tabbed grille with a carbon-fibre insert, which matches the
front and rear fascia and side sills.

Triangular swept-back headlamps with pronounced outlines flank the
grille and transition seamlessly to the sloping hood and up to the
wide-raked windshield. The extended hood, along with the
rear-wheel-drive configuration, allowed the design team to push the
front wheels to the front of the car, allowing for an aggressive
stance. The swooping cabin enhances the GT's aerodynamic presence,
while vent-like taillights, powerful rear shoulders and truncated
rear-end add to the vehicle's brawny appearance. Propeller-style rims
flanked in carbon-fibre complete the dynamic look.

"No matter from which perspective you look at the Kia GT, it is roaring
with energy and ready for take-off," said Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief
Design Officer. "I believe this concept car is a strong statement from
Kia that we are ready to fast-forward to an all-new chapter."

The 4,690 mm long concept has the classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive
layout of a high performance sedan, which ensures very different
proportions from a front-wheel drive car. Beneath the extended bonnet,
power is provided by a 3.3-litre turbocharged Lambda V6 Gasoline Direct
Injection (GDI) engine coupled to an eight-speed automatic
transmission, generating 395 horsepower and 393.5 pound-feet of torque

The front doors and rear-hinged back doors open at a slight upward angle
ensuring easy access to the spacious and airy interior. Generous,
uncluttered cabin accommodation for four is welcomed with thanks to the
Kia GT's unusually long wheelbase (2,860 mm), and despite its low
stance, overall height is just 1,380 mm.

The Kia GT concept will be on display in the Kia pavilion at the
Canadian International Auto Show for the duration of the event -
February 17th to 26th - at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building.

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Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a
subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea, was founded in
1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like
the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 174 dealers
nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 147 people in its Mississauga,
Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia
Motors Corporation continues to showcase the company's global
commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous
automotive innovation.